525,600 minutes

 It's official.....525,600 minutes in Germany!  We've reached our 1 year anniversary! (and we're just getting the hang of it)

Let it snow.....

Outside my window.....

It is funny that one year ago today we experienced the 'blizzard of 09' in New York and our flight to Germany was delayed a day...and as I write this morning we are hunkered down with a snow day in Germany.  Ironic!
We are enjoying our first Christmas season in Germany filled with lots and lots of Gluhwein....it does have an acquired taste....but on a cold evening in Germany, walking through the myriad of village Christmas markets.....it warms the heart! (and the feet....depending on how many you have).  My in-laws were able to partake in a bit of holiday cheer...Germany style - and the verdict is still out on the gluhwein...but they did enjoy the cute little mugs and a couple made their way back in their suitcases.

Wiesbaden Market and some hot gluhwein

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Good friends enjoying a local market

Prague Christmas Market

One of my favorite treasures: Riquwihr, France

A local peering out over the market in the Alsace Region

Strausburg, France

Speaking of suitcases....living here for a year I have had the honor of many visitors (I am so thankful)...and with visitors come suitcases packed to the brim bearing good old American treats.  I'm fairly certain that the TSA doesn't even bother to look through the bags anymore.....can you really make something crazy from fruit-rollups or pop-tarts?  We celebrate when things arrive from the U.S. - they all sit out on the counter in the kitchen. We admire them (and all their additives) before devouring them in a week or two.....who knew that stove top stuffing would taste so much better in Germany.....but what a treat!   You really do miss things.....not only foods....but things like XM radio - you are hard pressed to find many Christmas songs played on the radio.  Starbucks drive-thrus - and not to mention Germany doesn't have peppermint mochas....I found them in London and Prague...but not Germany!  Oh well....I'm adjusting and found a new favorite...white mochas!
Amazon.de has become bookmarked on my computer these days.....and I've improved a bit with my German so not quite as much frustration as last year when I was trying to navigate the site to find a crockpot.....thank you to my very resourceful sister-in-law who had it delivered right to my doorstep. On a weekly basis we receive things in the mail from the German authorities....we have figured out how to translate the speeding tickets.....and parking fines....but some other things we do our best to translate using our other frequently visited bookmarked site: Google Translate.....but most make their way to Tim's Admin......we are ever so appreciative!

It's a blue day!

Not our bins...ours are always overflowing

We have developed this little system....actually I should say a big system of recyling in Germany.  Germans have rules...and garbage is no exception.  Last year when I moved in, my relocation specialist gave me a copy of an Abgallkalender.  I remember looking at it and not understanding a word...but could figure out the color codes.  I have 3 different colored bins in my driveway.....and yellow sacks as well....certain things go in certain bins....and I think 525,600 minutes later I may have this system down.  Paper gets picked up once a month...so that is a challenge and usually is overflowing.  Most of my neighbors set out 1 gelb (yellow) sack every other week....but the Schmidt family continues to lead the 'weg' with at least 3 or more at a time.  I can't tell you how many times I've walked to the local Rathaus (city hall) requesting more yellow bags....I'm sure I'm on a 'wanted' list somewhere in town.  It has become a part of our breakfast ritual...."kids, what color is today"......."oh, it's a black day" so I roll my black can to the base of the driveway...which if you knew me in Connecticut was about 1/2 mile....and here it's about 10 steps!  I am proud to call myself a diligent recycler.....my good friends in the U.S. would be so proud!  I will have to snap a picture one day of the bins as they line the 'weg'.  The only ones that are overflowing are "Schmidt - party of 5".  We have acquainted ourselves with the local dump....and every Saturday we make our way to get rid of our rubbish (love that word) and sometimes they don't even charge us the 2 euro.....we are certainly known at the dump!  I think I may just bake them some Christmas cookies to show our appreciation!  If it weren't for that weekly trip to the dump....we would have our garage filled with rubbish....yuck!
I have also figured out the bottle recyling system....it's just part of my routine.  Every time I have a visitor and 'they shadow me for a day' it usually includes a little walk to the spot where I throw my wine bottles....and we seem to have quite a few of those floating around.  I do abide by those good old German rules....can't throw them in during quiet hours....and don't take them on Sunday (it's quiet all day on Sunday)...but I got it down.  I also love the getranke mart (drink mart)....I just load the back of my car with the used bottles.....head to the local mart...they load, unload - it's one thing that I consider easy here in Germany.

Now that I can reflect on the last year....I have definitely figured some things out.  I have a long ways to go....but it's getting easier.  One thing that is always easy....having visitors!  We absolutely love our company!  I have been blessed with many this year...and look forward to many more.  Having my mom and dad visit was certainly a highlight....now as we talk on the phone they can picture exactly where I am...or what I'm doing.  My in-laws have made three trips to Germany in the year....and we are so lucky that they are willing to travel the distance to see us.  Several good friends from the U.S. visited this year....and just to have them live a little Germany with me; I'll forever treasure.

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad in Eltville, Germany

A family affair...watching the Packers on the good old slingbox

Our first visitors......we love you Schmidt family and can't wait for Italy

Laura and I in Rudesheim, Germany

Chairlift over the Riesling Vineyards

Cheryl and I taking on France

The two grandpas! (Happy to be watching the Packers all the way in Germany)

Bon Apetit!

What a treat to have Colleen with us!

Brendan and Colleen visiting Kronberg, Germany

The kids have done a fantastic job with the transition and have grown in so many ways.  They are more accepting of cultural differences....and have experienced things that have allowed them out of their box.  They have friends from places I've never heard of...  As I've said before we are forever changed from this experience.  We are continuing to take advantage of the European holidays...and travel places I never dreamed I'd experience.  We have developed good friendships.  Most are like-minded, so when you really need something - they've all been there...done that....so we have support when we need it.  We've adjusted to our 'new normal' over the last year and look forward to what's to come!  We'll keep you updated!

 

Forever Changed

As I sit here looking out in the garden covered with leaves I think back 11 months and how life has changed.  11 months ago we were visiting Germany with the kids, trying to finalize school and housing issues.  Not realizing how far we will come over the next year.  The anticipation of the unknown.....the anxiety, the excitement, the sadness of leaving family and friends.  My sister told me before I left....."You will be forever changed"....and that is true for all of us. 

We just came back from a trip to London.  Hannah was able to travel with the cross country team and we decided to take the clan to cheer them on.  As we landed in London and walked through the airport, I had one of those Oprah 'aha moments'.  "Mom, they are all talking in English," Caleb said to me.  I could read the signs...no Google Translate App needed!  At that moment I realized just how different it is to live in a country that speaks a different language.  Now I can get by (sometimes) and have 'get better at the language' high on my New Year's Resolution list.  It is truly the one thing I miss the most.  It may sound crazy, but anxiety levels increase when you're lost in translation!  Just being in an English-speaking country - even if just for two days was wonderful!

Forever changed....that is my motto for this entry.  It's hard to really realize on a day to day basis how much we all have changed.....because we have adjusted (for the most part) to our new normal.  I'm still a busy mom of three running this way and that way on a daily basis....I still clean the house...and have to get those darn highlights in my hair every so often....so that hasn't changed....but so much in my day to day life has!  It has been fun for our family to have visitors (we are truly blessed) and for them to experience a day in the life of 'me'.  They have been able to see just how frustrating some days can be...not being efficient - or they can be with me as I back into a parked car....and see a local lady walking by making sure that I'm compliant and write everything down.....  There doesn't seem to be a week that goes by without some local giving me a look of disgust....and I'm still puzzled why some Germans walk by our house and glance - no actually I will say stare at something....now granted it could be the basketball hoop or soccer goal in the yard....or maybe they just simply marvel at how the heck we get in and out of our steep driveway each day.....but it always puzzles me what they're so interested in.  I have several German friends and I enjoy talking with them about the differences...they are fascinating people...and I've learned that most German homes have a wall of books.....they love reading and learning.  I do find most German tend to be rule followers....the crosswalk can be clear for miles and not a car in site...but they will wait for the little red man to turn green, and then cross the street.  Most Germans don't acknowledge you as you walk past them....why - who knows - it's just their culture.  If I was paid a euro for every time I said that, I'd be a rich, rich woman.  They do greet you every time you walk into a waiting room in the doctor's office...it's the craziest thing.  The other day I walked into the office and was greeted by all 4 people in the waiting room....and then the funniest was when the receptionist called ' Frau Schmidt bitte'...of course I got up and along with two others in the waiting room....yes - there were three Schmidt's in the waiting room - I am definitely among my peeps! 

There are a lot of gray days in Germany and when the sun peeks through the Taunus Hills...watch out dispositions change.....You might actually get a glance as you meet someone in the street.  Sun is always good for the soul no matter where you are in the world.  I even saw a couple of people laughing out loud (really loud) at a little cafe the other day....and that rarely happens.  I find most people to be reserved and quiet...not loud and boisterous.....Noah always tells me he loves the peacefulness of Germany.

One of our biggest dilemmas that seems to occur quite often is the banking process......everything is online - when you book a vacation you transfer money from your account right into another persons....it's the craziest thing - we never see a bill.  The hardest part of the banking system is our EC card (debit card) - there are very few places in Germany that take credit cards - so we pay cash for everything - it's quite refreshing - but not so refreshing when your EC card doesn't work and you have a carriage full of groceries....and the attendant says, "sorry your card is empty"......oh no, no, no it's not empty...it just doesn't work all the time!  It's the craziest thing....you can only withdraw so much at a time...and when you exceed it - they freeze your card.....or better yet - when you try to cash an American check......I won't even go there!  Although there is something to be said for paying with cash - you just always have to remember to have it with you! (Haven't mastered that one yet)

One funny thing I've noticed about Germany is their obsession with hanging their coats on a coat rack or hook the minute they enter a restaurant.  Now maybe I shouldn't refer to it as an obsession that is a bit harsh...but they do like to hang their coats.  It's some sort of strange radar.....they find those hooks and they'll pile them one on top of the other...now it bothers me a bit as there does seem to be a lot of talk about lice......so I'm not loving the whole coat hook thing.  Tim and I were at a lovely restaurant a few weekends back.  It was perfect....no kids, no schedule...a bottle of wine and a great window seat in the corner of the restaurant.....but with a window seat comes coat hooks....and several of them.....we were actually howling at the end..as the coats were piled so high on top of each other that our little cozy table was becoming a bit claustrophobic.....It's just their culture and we'll embrace it! 

One thing you quickly learn living in Germany is how important spa days are to them.....we live in a part of Germany that has wonderful clean, fresh air....and many spas.  The spas are interesting...and we have found some to be totally swimsuit free - shall we say!  Now as an American.....wow that's not in our culture.  Tim and I recently were away and decided to let our American inhibitions go....and go for it!  Let's just say  - interesting and leave it at that.  It actually was wonderful....no one even notices and quite frankly it was kind of empowering!  It is funny at the pool....I've heard that they don't like leaving their swimsuits on after they swim is 'unhygienic' so they just take them off right there on the side of the pool and either put a dry one on.....or head to the locker room  - and you can't really get away from it there either - there's no separate boys and girls....men's and women's.  Oh well, when in Germany and heck there's probably a much lower incident of those darn infections you get from staying in your suit all day.

One thing I just can't get used to is not having air circulating in restaurants and stores......I now know why Europeans have somewhat of a reputation around smelling......everywhere you go it's stuffy! I can attest to the fact that German secret deodorant really doesn't work as well....it's missing something....so we always have that on the list when Tim travels to the U.S.  My good friend from the U.S. was here recently and we were dining in a restaurant in France.  It was quite a lovely evening....windows could be opened a crack and air would circulate a bit.  As we walked into the darling restaurant we could feel the air thicker and thicker as we got closer to our table.......'Voila' here is your table for the evening.....big score - right next to a window.  Men were in layers......sport coats, turtlenecks...women in cashmere - how could they stand it?  My friend and I looked at each other and figured opening the window a crack wouldn't be a big deal.....actually people might really love us for it - fresh air!  With that...we turned the latch and the lead paint cracked because clearly the window hadn't been opened in years....maybe ever.  The window swung open and we quickly tried to keep it open with something - just keeping it open a crack.  Well - the looks, the stares, the women bundling themselves up with scarves pretty much sent a message that we needed to keep it closed....so the stuffy - no air -circulating places get a big old.....so being forever-changed....no I still love my AC in the summer, my bedroom window cracked at night and a little air circulating from time to time.  I do have to admit that when I was back in U.S. over the summer I did actually freeze in one store the air was cranking so much....so maybe I'll get used to it over time.  

 We are gearing up for our first Thanksgiving in Germany....and it's not too easy finding a turkey and I just don't think schnitzel is going to cut it.  We are delighted to share our American tradition with some International friends....and they just can't wait for the canned pumpkin pie (had that sent to me from the U.S.)  Actually it's been quite interesting for the kids and all the different traditions they are being exposed to.....it's fantastic!  This experience has opened their eyes to a whole new world.....to people from places we couldn't even find on a map.  It's been amazing.

I continue to have my days where I really miss home....the 6 or 7 hour time difference is hard.  When I just want to pick up the phone and it's 2am in the states.  I miss my peppermint mochas at Starbucks..which I traditionally begin to order at Thanksgiving!  They have Starbucks here....but not peppermint mochas (I had a few in London which was a treat).  I do continue to laugh and cry......and explore new things.  Our family has truly become a unit....even with Tim's crazy travel and the kids busy schedules...there is something about this experience that has forever changed our family.  We rely on each other.....we pick each other up.....and our dinners out have become much longer.....and we are enjoying asking for the check when we want it....even if that's two hours later.....we are enjoying the time together. Even with all the cultural differences...we find the people to be quite accepting....their English is amazing, and we are making friendships that will last a lifetime.  Forever changed....yes....but more importantly truly blessed!

How about a root beer float?

Schmidt - they are everywhere!

Made in America

It's hard to believe that we have almost hit the 9 month mark living in Germany.  I thought I would take this opportunity to summarize the experience. I could have entitled it 'what to expect when you don't have a clue what to expect',but I think I've read something similar before and decided to call this entry root beer float.  It's funny how before you arrive you get a list from the well-informed and well-experienced expats just what to bring with you.  For me that included a huge run to Costco before the sea crate left the U.S.  You don't realize how much you really loved good old maple syrup.....or how often you use vanilla when baking.  As I navigate through the local markets I find an International section, and there you can find some American goodies....such as Heinz ketchup and barbeque sauce....and most recently I came across A & W root beer.  Now growing up in the Wisconsin.....I can remember the days of pulling up for curbside service and having a good old root beer float in a frosty mug!  So....while on my adventure I have come across cans of Root Beer...now you pay 1.89 euro per can.....but it doesn't even matter.......we can't serve it in the big old frosty mugs...those wouldn't fit in German freezers....but it's still a great taste of home. 

Still trying to find canned cranberries for Thanksgiving

There certainly are things I miss from home and I have to admit since I've completed my first journey back to the states during the summer.....I miss some things even more.  
Now living here 9 months I know the ropes and can find most things. ( it's a tight rope pretty high off the ground and it's like looking thru foggy glasses) But I manage.  One thing we truly miss.....  Hamburgers! Noah loves a good burger and there aren't any Five Guys  restaurants in Germany......we have a great relationship with a local restaurant and if we call Bernard two days before we come...sometimes he can get all the fixins for a burger......although it just isn't the same.  The funniest is as we ordered a steak at a restaurant right here in town that we walk to...and it's the best place around for a steak.  As the waiter brought the selections of meat around to show us....he said, 'this is the best beef around, from Omaha'.  Our good friends in Omaha will get a kick out of that one....good old Omaha steaks.  
Sports - well we lived through the World Cup....and little by little we are getting introduced to the game.....complete with a goal set up in the back yard. (and a basketball hoop - but that's for another time)  Along with all Noah's football jerseys....he now has 'fussball' jerseys....Both boys are playing soccer this fall....and it's a hoot.  I think those Europeans have an advantage as they start playing soccer when we Americans start our kids on rice cereal....seriously.  Nonetheless it's fun for them to learn and they are enjoying it.  There is no shortage of horses in Germany...so Hannah is loving it..and enjoying running through the beautiful German forests on cross country.
It's funny as I look back at the last 9 months.  I have my 'Deutch' days...where just nothing seems to go right.  I have those days where I just can't seem to get anything done......but when I think about it I had those days at home, too.  What do I miss the most?  Nothing material comes to mind...there is the occasional...oh, I wish that wasn't in storage and why didn't I bring that,....but what I miss the most is hearing my very own language.  Just hearing English is such a beautiful thing.....they say that you can re-invent yourself as an ex-pat and I now have reinvented myself with radar. Radar that can hear English....and not British English....but American English even if it's a mile or kilometer away.  I find myself stopping and chatting with them....just to speak the language and actually have a conversation with someone without stumbling over my words - it's easy, and sometimes easy is really, really nice....I'm using my German when I need to...but still have a long ways to go!  I loved standing in the checkout line at the grocery store in the U.S. and actually having a smile and nod from someone in the line......I have to chuckle to myself on days here in Germany when I see grocery carts overflowing......that's got to be an American, and boy is she wishing she was at Costco right now.....
I have met some incredible people on this journey.  I find the people to be open and willing to help (the ex-pats that is) - they've been there, done that...and now that I've been here awhile and not such a rookie...I feel I can share a bit of knowledge as well.  Making friendships is never an easy thing....you walk into a room and feel like there's a sign around your neck stating....talk to me....I AM NEW!  It's like that first PTA meeting you walk into and everyone seems to have already found a friend.  But since this environment is so transient....you're only the 'new one' for a short time.  The women I've met are incredible....they are intelligent, independent -thinking women...and I find that most are cut out of the same mold.  They look at this experience as an adventure and make the most of it.  I tend to steer clear of those that don't look at the glass half - full...but quite honestly I haven't found too many.  The people I've met have taught me many things over the last 9 months...and I look forward to all the new memories that are to come.  I do miss my family and friends.  Sometimes you have those days when you wish you could just click your heels and be sitting on the couch at your friends house and eating pizza and sipping wine like you did every Friday, or at Starbucks talking about the latest and greatest.  I am blessed to have friends from all over.....I do rely on them whether it is an International phone call,(they love me for those expensive phone bills they now have) a skpe chat or even if I'm lucky a visit.  My friends and family are here for me when I need them.....and they won't be talking German!
When you think of moving abroad to a culture and language that is so different - you worry about the kids.  Having a full brood of those...I have to say the transition has gone better than expected.  Kids are resilient and accepting and much like I said earlier with the adults...you're not the 'new kid' for long.  The hardest part is seeing your friends leave.....we all know we're here for a short time...and part of this adventure is seeing friends move on....that is never easy wherever you may be!  I attended a luncheon at the end of the year for those women who were moving on.  Some had been here years....some just months....I know it's part of this life journey, and it too will be my time to leave Germany someday....but it's never easy. 

We've had the opportunity to travel so much in the short time we've been here.  Lots of road trips! Ain't no suburban - but nice and cozy.  We just refer to it as family bonding time! (yea, right)

That's the car in front of us.......road trip Euro-style!

 We continually remind the kids that we are very lucky.....and being the 'writer' mom that I am, my kids are creating some great journals and keepsakes.....We've traveled to 7 countries already.....pretty unbelievable..and look forward to what's ahead.  Although now that we're settling in a bit..I think the long weekends will turn most into weekends at home.  Even though we are living as 'expats', I still have all the normal 'mom' things to get done.....the carpools to drive....the meals to cook - so I look forward to all the traveling ahead...but as someone once said, 'you'll run out of money before you run out of places to go'.   There are times you get the feeling that you're part of the 'Great European Race' or some days ' Survivor'......but we'll see what we can see on this journey.....and check them off the old bucket list.

Caleb informed his teacher he's now drinking beer.....and he likes it (we're in trouble)

The canals in Brugge, Belgium

One of the many lovely lakes of Switzerland

Swiss Alps as we drove over the top - magnificent

No, that's not a growth on Tim's head...just the Eiffel Tower

So as I sign off today at my 9 month mark....I feel proud to be an American...and that's no joke...when I hear the national anthem being played at a sporting event on t v....or hear something about the U.S. on CNN World...I am proud: there's no place like home.

  

Schmuck?

Sharing my adventure with a schmuck - I mean friend!
 
Living in Germany has been an interesting adventure and about a month ago I got to share all the fun with a dear friend. My friend flew in from Pittsburgh....the Frankfurt airport is pretty easy to navigate, but finding a meeting spot is not so easy.  I allowed myself plenty of time to get to the airport.....and you all know how well I knew JFK...I could just swing around to baggage...but Frankfurt would be a different story.  I parked on the 13th floor.....(looking back this could have been a sign.....) and off I went with my IPhone fully loaded just waiting for the text saying....I'm here!  Once I found the right terminal (went to the wrong one first) we were golden.  Tim's company has a meeting post right smack dab in the middle of the airport...so that is where we met!  Mission accomplished.  I told her to pack light.....don't sport the blinger anymore....and anything more than a carry on would be tricky to get in the boot (aka trunk - can you tell I passed the German driving test - got the lingo and everything) of 'junior'.  We headed out re-tracing my steps perfectly - in hindsight probably dropping crumbs would have worked better.  Who would think that there was a set of elevators going to the 13th floor....but we were parked on 1301...so that would of course be the 13th floor of the elevator one door down from the original elevator we took - see how the crumbs may have helped.  The luggage fit in perfectly...and we were off.  The whole parking deal in Germany is very different from that in the states...and the language barrier doesn't make it all that fun.  You have to find a row in the parking garage that has a green light.  You take your ticket....park the car and then always take your ticket with you into the airport - because you have to pay before your leave the terminal building...and you don't pay a person - but put your money into a very intimidating machine somewhat like my ATM experience...after a bit of vertigo set in as we drove round and around the 13 floors of the parking ramp....we were on route to Kronberg.  I simply plugged in the address to the good old nav and in a mere 12 kilometers we would be home. Because we were so excited to see each other and were chatting away.....(and the lady's voice on the nav is set way too low).....we must have missed her say " in 400 meters stay to the right, then stay to the left and exit right".....I swear it's in english....but I still don't get it...and our 12 kilometers turned into 32....oh well!  Welcome to my new normal!

I'm so excited when friends and family visit...what a treat!  I always say before they arrive that Kronberg is a bit like standing in the middle of Epcot...but so much better.  I won't elaborate on all the details of my visit with Laura.....but I will let you know that we had plenty of schnitzel and beer.....shopped til we dropped, tried on clothes the 'German way' basically in the middle of the store......I backed into a car...and like the good German I have become.....we got out.....acted as if we were writing something down....looked at the damage (which there wasn't any) - got back in and drove away.......we drove down a few einbahnstrasses the wrong way....we had a lot of fun....and the language always was good for a few chuckles....hence the picture below!

 It was only 1 euro for this schmuck......with a 50% discount.....too funny!  Gotta love the language.....we can always go back to gut fahrt...that's always worth a laugh or two.  One of the funniest parts of the weekend was as we finished lunch and a nice glass of wine in a lovely restaurant in Wiesbaden.  We knew that there was an Easter market going on in Kronberg...at the burg (Kronberg Castle) and we really wanted to get back to see it......I now know that you can sit at restaurants in Europe for hours...once you sit down - it's your table....and unless you specifically ask for the rechnung(bill) you could be there for hours.  As time was ticking away.....Laura looked at her watch....and said, "Amy....it's almost 3:00 we must get back to the castle".  OK it was only a glass of wine....but the way she said it made us sound like we were Cinderella and well you know the rest....we still laugh about it to this day.  Well, our chariot didn't await...but we made it back to the castle in plenty of time.......and it was a weekend with my schmuck I will cherish forever.

A little monkey business

Monkeyin' around on holiday in Spain!

I will begin by saying that we love Animal Planet.....and have talked about how cool it would be to do an African Safari someday.....well - that was until we met the monkeys in Gibraltar.  When you think of Gibralter - I think of the Rock of Gibraltar.  It is indeed a rock.....and it remains a British Colony which is quite fascinating as we parked on the Spanish side and walked across the border into the land of red phone booths!

  

We had heard a lot about the tours in Gibraltar and one thing the kids were dying to see were the monkeys.  As we walked across the border there was Paul just waiting for us.  It was a little like when you get off the plane in Mexico...and there are cars lined up along the street with tour guides everywhere....but we had a good feeling about Paul. (and we were right)  He was going to be our tour guide for the day.  We jumped in the car and off we went........Paul said that there will be several stops along the way....and the tour would last about 2 hours.  We began to climb the winding roads (with no side rails - who needs those, anyways) and took in the absolutely amazing scenery.  

One of our first stops was to take in St. Michael's Caves.  As Paul's car pulled up we could see the monkeys everywhere.  Sitting on the rails, in the trees, they were a little too close for comfort.....but being the strong, always optimistic, animal-loving mother that I am.....I said, 'oh aren't they cute so up close and personal'.  The kids were thrilled.  Paul told us that the pirates way back in history were the ones that brought the monkeys in on their ships.....and they have multiplied, multiplied and multiplied....and now they are the very famous monkeys of Gibraltar.  Paul did say that we shouldn't get too close....but some of the tour guides actually bring food with them so the monkeys can sit on their shoulders for a picture....now, I've had a parrot or two sit on my shoulder over the years....but I wasn't too keen on a monkey....and Paul was just fine with that...he wasn't an advocate of feeding the monkeys...as they have had some problems in the town...where the monkeys associate any plastic bag with food...and they come down from the top of the rock and attack people in town.  We got out of the car....snapped a few photos and took in the caves!  I will admit that as I walked through the dark, damp caves (which were amazing) I kept thinking that one of those darn monkeys was following me......

 When we finished touring the caves, there was a little gift shop on they way out....everyone was a little hungry and just needed a little pick me up....take a look at the sign below.

As Americans that don't often see Hershey bars and Reese's peanut butter cups too often these days......we opened the fridge and just couldn't decide.  Caleb grabbed a Hershey bar....and all I remember is looking over at Caleb and seeing this monkey the size of him come in and in a blink snatch it out of his hand....the storekeeper came in with a stick and tried to 'shoo' it away.  Caleb's color drained from his face.....the rest of us just stood there completely stunned.....and slammed the fridge closed.  Enough of the monkeys.....they were cute from the car...but not so cute so close up!  Luckily it did not break the skin on Caleb's hand - but definitely left a little red mark...which he is proud to show off to his buds at school.  A story that will remain to be told for many, many years.  The photo below is Caleb holding a stuffed monkey.....you can see the color in his face (or lack there of)...and the next picture is the 'culprit' on top of Paul's car!  As you can see we did get one family picture on the top of the rock.....you can see a monkey off to the right. Noah kept his distance...and our animal-loving Hannah got a little too close (even for Paul's comfort).

It is amazing to think that Morocco is only 15 kilometers away from Gibraltar.  A 35 minute ferry ride.  You can see the continent in the picture.  When I think of Morocco I think of Aladdin at Epcot...so to see it like this is amazing.

The picture below was taken the next day.....just so none of you are worried about Caleb and the monkey attack...he is no worse for the wear.

We are so lucky to have the possibility to travel, and are coming to truly appreciate what it is to 'holiday' in Europe.  I fell in love with Spain.....I have always loved Mexico...but Spain may be my new favorite.  Maybe it's the language....you just can't say 'hola' without a smile. The Spanish language and the Spanish sunshine is just good for the soul.  Dinner is eaten at 9 or 10 at night......and the workday does not begin before 9:30 or 10:00 - ain't too shabby.  I took a picture of the streets in Old Marbella....all the places to eat....a cute little old man strumming the ukelehle.

 Another place we explored was Ronda.  It is a white village - all the homes are white - they are on extremely narrow streets so that on the hot days they get some shade.  We took the tour with Frank.  The kids loved the jeep....and we all loved Frank....The oldest bull fighting ring in Spain is in Ronda....happy to say that a bull fight was not on the agenda.  They harvest chestnuts and cork in the little villages before you get to Ronda....there is no internet, really no modern conveniences.....and the white villages outside of Ronda have about 200 residents.  One of the villages we toured is in the 'blue zone' - people work hard....and live long lives.  They go out into the field and pick chestnuts.....they make about 10,000 euro a month for two months...and they live on that......it's an amazing place. 

Frank took us to his friend's restaurant for lunch.  It was in a tiny village...with one school with 10 students in it.  Of course...not a meal goes by without a little sangria....and a little tapas.  

Being in Spain just before Easter was great.  In each village they have nightly processionals.  We were told that 60% of Spain is Catholic and the other 40% is Agnostic.  We were able to see the Processional in Old Town Marbella one night.  People lined the streets outside of one of the churches......it was almost so packed you couldn't move.

 You can see from the picture that we were a little nervous not knowing what to expect.  There were soldiers that walked right next to us armed to the nines....and lead the processional through old town.  It started at 8:00pm - and proceeds through the village until 4am.

The pictures don't really do the experience justice.  The 'floats' depict the Passion of the Christ.....hundreds of men lift the 'floats' which are gold trimmed and lined with so many flowers.....language barrier precluded us from understanding the words.....but of course we know and cherish the story.......and when the crowd said the Lord's Prayer in unison.....in Spanish....it was breath-taking.  It was worth all the claustrophobic moments.....and having dinner at 10:00....as it's something our family will never forget and presented many teachable moments with the kids.

We may not be planning on seeing monkeys any time soon.....but traveling to Spain is good for the soul! (and the disposition for a wife who has moved to Germany just 3 months earlier........oh, some vitamin d)